Million Dollar Dip: The Ultimate Creamy, Cheesy, Bacon, and Almond Appetizer
Prepare to be the star of your next gathering with this incredibly simple yet irresistibly delicious Creamy Million Dollar Dip. This crowd-pleasing appetizer comes together in mere minutes, offering a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Bursting with the savory crunch of bacon, the delightful nuttiness of toasted slivered almonds, and the rich creaminess of a cheesy base, this dip is perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to festive holiday celebrations. Serve it alongside your favorite chips, sturdy crackers, or a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables for an unforgettable snacking experience.
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Seeking an easy, indulgent dip that promises to impress without the fuss? Look no further! While not a healthy recipe, this Million Dollar Dip embraces all our favorite rich flavors, making it the perfect splurge for any event. Its versatility makes it suitable for game nights, holiday feasts, potlucks, or simply a delightful treat for family and friends. The combination of its creamy base and crunchy additions ensures every spoonful is packed with satisfying taste and texture.
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What is Million Dollar Dip?
Million Dollar Dip, sometimes affectionately known as Neiman Marcus Cheese Dip, is a legendary appetizer renowned for its incredibly rich flavor and satisfying texture. While many dip recipes feature the classic combination of bacon and cheddar, what truly sets this dip apart is the ingenious addition of slivered almonds. This unique ingredient introduces an unexpected crunch and nutty depth that elevates the dip from ordinary to extraordinary.
The origins of this iconic dip are often attributed to Helen Corbitt, a culinary legend who managed the Zodiac restaurant at Neiman Marcus many years ago. Her published cookbook contained a similar recipe, though it featured a higher proportion of mayonnaise. For those who adore a pronounced mayo flavor, feel free to adjust the amount to your preference. The “million dollar” moniker isn’t just marketing; it reflects the dip’s universal appeal and the rich, luxurious experience it delivers. Loaded with generous amounts of crisp, savory bacon (typically eight slices) and plenty of sharp cheddar cheese, the blend of these simple yet powerful ingredients creates a flavor profile that is truly astounding and effortlessly delicious.
The Secret to Perfectly Crispy Bacon
For an authentic Million Dollar Dip experience, using real, high-quality bacon is paramount. Skip the artificial bacon bits and opt for uncured, nitrate-free bacon for the best flavor and texture. The key to this dip is perfectly cooked, wonderfully crispy bacon pieces that provide a delightful crunch in every bite. Before you even begin mixing the dip, you’ll need to cook the bacon until it’s golden brown and shatteringly crisp, then crumble it into small pieces.
There are several excellent methods for achieving bacon perfection:
- Air Fryer Bacon: This is my personal favorite method for quick and easy crispy bacon. The air fryer circulates hot air, cooking the bacon evenly and making it incredibly crisp with minimal mess. Lay bacon slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket and cook at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until desired crispness is reached.
- Oven-Baked Bacon: For cooking larger batches, baking bacon in the oven is ideal. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup, arrange bacon slices in a single layer, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and crisp. This method ensures even cooking and reduces stovetop splatters.
- Skillet Bacon: The classic stovetop method involves cooking bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. This allows you to control the crispness precisely. Cook until browned and crisp, turning as needed. Drain excess fat on paper towels before crumbling.
Regardless of your chosen method, ensure the bacon is cooled slightly before crumbling to achieve the best texture for the dip. This crucial step contributes significantly to the overall enjoyment of your Million Dollar Dip.
Toasting the Slivered Almonds
While optional, toasting the slivered almonds is a simple step that profoundly enhances the flavor of your Million Dollar Dip. The gentle heat of a skillet brings out the natural oils in the almonds, intensifying their nutty aroma and giving them a more robust, toasted flavor. It also adds an extra layer of crispness, making them stand out beautifully against the creamy dip base.
To toast the almonds:
- Place a dry skillet (no oil needed) over medium-high heat.
- Add the slivered almonds in a single layer.
- Stir continuously or shake the pan frequently to prevent burning.
- Toast for 3-4 minutes, or until the almonds are lightly golden brown and fragrant.
- Immediately remove the almonds from the heat and transfer them to a plate to cool completely. This prevents them from continuing to cook and potentially burning.
Allowing the almonds to cool ensures they retain their crisp texture when mixed into the dip. This small effort yields a significant flavor payoff, making your Million Dollar Dip truly exceptional.
How to Make Million Dollar Dip
Creating this Million Dollar Dip is remarkably straightforward, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. The detailed measurements and full instructions can also be found in the comprehensive recipe card below.
- Prepare the Bacon and Almonds: First, cook your bacon to a desired crispness using your preferred method (air fryer, oven, or skillet). Drain well and crumble once cooled. Next, if desired, lightly toast your slivered almonds in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Allow them to cool completely.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, cooked and crumbled bacon, toasted slivered almonds, garlic powder, and a dash of salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix Thoroughly: Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to thoroughly mix all the ingredients until they are well combined and evenly distributed. Ensure the softened cream cheese is fully incorporated to achieve a smooth and creamy base.
- Chill or Serve: Transfer the prepared dip to your chosen serving dish. While you can serve it immediately at room temperature, chilling the dip for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in an even more delicious experience.
That’s all there is to it! In just a few easy steps, you’ll have a rich, creamy, and undeniably addictive dip ready to delight your guests.
Million Dollar Dip Recipe
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Million Dollar Dip Recipe
This Creamy Million Dollar Dip recipe comes together in about 5 minutes. It’s that easy. This appetizer is loaded with crunchy bacon, slivered almonds, and lots of cheddar cheese. Serve it with chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
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Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: bacon and cheese dip, million dollar dip
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 382kcal
Author: Brandi Crawford
Ingredients
- ½ cup slivered almonds
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a skillet on medium-high heat. Add the slivered almonds. Stir and toast the almonds for 3-4 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant, then remove from heat and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled toasted almonds, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar, chopped green onions, cooked and crumbled bacon, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed and evenly incorporated.
- Transfer the dip to a serving dish. For best results, chill the dip for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld, or serve immediately at room temperature.
Recipe Video
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Recipe Tools Used in this Recipe
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Dip Serving Dish
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 382kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 37g
Frequently Asked Questions and Recipe Pro Tips
Here are some common questions and expert tips to help you master your Million Dollar Dip and make it even more enjoyable:
Beyond the traditional chips and crackers, this versatile Million Dollar Dip works wonderfully as a stuffing! I’ve successfully used it in my Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms and Keto Stuffed Chicken recipes, and it’s absolutely delicious. You can also hollow out bell peppers or mini phyllo cups and fill them for elegant individual appetizers. For dipping, consider sturdy vegetables like celery sticks, cucumber slices, carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, or even toasted pita bread and soft pretzel bites.
Absolutely! This dip is an excellent make-ahead option, perfect for party planning. You can prepare it up to 2-3 days in advance. Simply mix all the ingredients, transfer it to an airtight container, and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will have even more time to meld, often making it taste even better the next day.
When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Million Dollar Dip will maintain its freshness and quality for 3-4 days. Always use your best judgment regarding food safety.
Due to its primary ingredients of mayonnaise and cream cheese, which tend to separate and become grainy or watery upon thawing, freezing this dip is not recommended. It’s best enjoyed fresh or after a few days of refrigeration.
Toasting the almonds is entirely optional, but highly recommended! While the dip will still be delicious with untoasted almonds, toasting them significantly intensifies their nutty flavor and enhances their crunch. This extra step adds a wonderful depth and dimension to the dip that truly makes a difference.
For the best flavor, use a good quality sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese that you shred yourself. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the dip’s creamy texture. Freshly shredded cheese melts better and offers a more robust flavor.
If your dip is too thick, you can add a small amount of extra mayonnaise, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you might add a bit more shredded cheese or allow it to chill longer, as chilling tends to firm up the cream cheese base.
Yes, ensure your cream cheese is completely softened to room temperature before mixing. This is crucial for achieving a smooth, lump-free, and creamy dip texture. Cold cream cheese will be difficult to incorporate evenly with the other ingredients.
Beyond the simple crackers and celery, you can elevate your presentation with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives, a dash of paprika for color, or even a few extra crumbled bacon bits on top just before serving.
Substitution and Variation Ideas
One of the joys of Million Dollar Dip is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with these ideas to tailor the dip to your personal taste or available ingredients:
- Seasoning Boost: Enhance the flavor profile by mixing in a tablespoon or two of Homemade Ranch Seasoning. You could also add a pinch of onion powder, dried chives, or a dash of your favorite smoky paprika.
- Add Some Heat: For those who love a spicy kick, finely diced fresh or pickled jalapenos are an excellent addition. A dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes can also provide a subtle warmth.
- Protein Power-Ups: While bacon is classic, consider other cooked proteins. Flaked crab meat (ensure it’s well-drained) for a seafood twist, shredded cooked chicken for a heartier dip, or even finely diced and crisped ham or pepperoni could work.
- Veggie Enhancements: Incorporate other vegetables like finely chopped artichoke hearts (well-drained), roasted cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness, a handful of frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry), or finely diced red bell peppers for color and crunch.
- Cheese Swaps: Experiment with different cheese varieties. Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend can offer a milder, meltier profile, while a smoked gouda could add a unique, savory depth.
- Mayo Alternatives: While mayonnaise is key to the classic flavor, for a slightly tangier or lighter version, you could substitute a portion of the mayo with Greek yogurt or sour cream. Be aware that this will alter the traditional taste and texture.
These variations offer endless possibilities for customizing your Million Dollar Dip, ensuring it remains a staple in your recipe rotation.
More Irresistible Dip Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and deliciousness of Million Dollar Dip, you’re in for a treat! Here are more fantastic dip recipes to expand your appetizer repertoire:
- Creamy BLT Dip
- Crab Rangoon Dip
- Hot Crab Dip
- Keto Spinach Cheese Dip
- Keto Guacamole
- Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Homemade Queso Cheese Dip
